1970 Ford F-250 Highboy 4x4
Vehicle Specifications
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The Legendary Ford F-250 Highboy: King of the Bumpside Era
The Ford F-250 Highboy is one of the most iconic and collectible vintage trucks ever built. Produced from 1967 to 1977, the "Highboy" nickname refers to the factory 4x4 F-250s that sat significantly higher than standard models due to the divorced transfer case design and tall suspension. The 1970 model represents the peak of the bumpside generation (1967-1972), named for the raised body line that runs across the side of the truck.
What Makes a Highboy a Highboy?
The term "Highboy" is not an official Ford designation but a nickname coined by enthusiasts. True Highboys (1967-1977 F-250 4x4s) have several distinguishing features:
- 🔧 Divorced transfer case — The transfer case is separate from the transmission, mounted further back
- 🔧 Taller factory ride height — Approximately 2-3 inches higher than standard 4x4s
- 🔧 Narrower frame rails — 33.5 inches wide vs 37 inches on later models
- 🔧 In-cab fuel tank — Located behind the bench seat
- 🔧 Solid front axle — Dana 44 or Dana 60 depending on year
After 1977, Ford switched to a integrated transfer case and lower ride height, making the 1967-1977 models the only true Highboys. This rarity has caused prices to skyrocket in recent years.
About This Specific 1970 Highboy
This 1970 Ford F-250 Highboy is a rust-free Western truck finished in its original Boxwood Green paint. It has spent its entire life in Oregon and Washington, meaning the body and frame are completely solid. The odometer shows just 89,000 original miles, verified by service records dating back to 1975.
The truck is powered by the legendary 390 FE V8 — a big-block engine known for its torque and reliability. Paired with the NP435 4-speed manual transmission and Dana 24 transfer case, this drivetrain is virtually bulletproof. The factory 4.10 gears make it a capable hauler and off-road machine.
Recent Restoration & Maintenance
- ✅ Complete engine rebuild — 5,000 miles ago. Bored .030 over, new pistons, rings, bearings, cam, lifters
- ✅ Heads rebuilt — New valves, springs, seals, hardened seats for unleaded fuel
- ✅ Carburetor — Rebuilt Holley 4160, tuned for reliability
- ✅ Cooling system — New radiator, water pump, hoses, thermostat
- ✅ Brake system — New master cylinder, wheel cylinders, pads, shoes, lines
- ✅ Suspension — New shocks, bushings, steering components
- ✅ Exhaust — New dual exhaust with glasspack mufflers (sounds incredible)
- ✅ Tires — BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 (90% tread)
- ✅ Paint — Original Boxwood Green, professionally buffed. Minor patina but no rust
- ✅ Bed floor — New oak wood planks with stainless steel strips
Why the Highboy Market is Exploding
The vintage Ford truck market has seen unprecedented growth. According to auction data from Bring a Trailer, Mecum, and Barrett-Jackson:
- 📊 Average Highboy sale price in 2024: $38,500 (up 85% from 2019)
- 📊 Restored Highboys have sold for $75,000+ at auction
- 📊 The 1967-1972 "bumpside" generation is the most desirable
- 📊 4x4 models command a 40-60% premium over 2WD trucks
- 📊 The Highboy is increasingly recognized as a blue-chip collectible
At $32,500, this Highboy is priced below current market average for a rust-free, low-mileage, restored example. This represents an excellent investment opportunity in a rapidly appreciating asset.
Driving Experience
The 1970 F-250 Highboy offers a driving experience like no other. The 390 FE V8 produces 255 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque — plenty of grunt for hauling or off-roading. The NP435 4-speed manual has a granny low first gear (6.69:1 ratio) that makes crawling over obstacles effortless. The divorced transfer case provides a satisfying mechanical whine that enthusiasts love.
On the highway, the truck cruises comfortably at 65-70 mph. The factory power steering (optional but present on this truck) makes parking manageable, while the power drum brakes (recently rebuilt) provide adequate stopping power. This is not a modern truck — it rides like a truck, sounds like a truck, and feels like a truck. And that's exactly why people love it.
What to Look For When Buying a Highboy
As experts in vintage Ford trucks, here's what we inspect on every Highboy:
- 🔧 Rust — The #1 killer of bumpsides. Check the cab corners, floor pans, radiator support, and bed crossmembers. This truck has zero rust — it's exceptional.
- 🔧 Divorced transfer case — Ensure it engages properly. The Dana 24 in this truck shifts smoothly into 4-high and 4-low.
- 🔧 390 FE engine health — Listen for valve train noise and check oil pressure. This freshly rebuilt engine is quiet with 55+ PSI at idle.
- 🔧 Frame condition — Highboys have narrow frames that can crack near the steering box. This frame is straight and uncracked.
- 🔧 Documentation — We have original owner's manual, warranty card, and service records back to 1975.
Shipping This 1970 Ford F-250 Highboy to Your State
We offer enclosed transport to anywhere in the United States and worldwide. Here are estimated shipping costs to popular locations:
📞 Call +1 201-285-2590 for an exact quote. Worldwide shipping available — we've shipped vintage Fords to the UK, Germany, Australia, and Sweden.
Frequently Asked Questions About This 1970 Ford F-250 Highboy
Everything you need to know before buying a classic Ford Highboy
